Hasegawa 1/72 J7W2 Shindenkai Kit Build Review
By Dave Manter
| Date of Review | March 2015 | Manufacturer | Hasegawa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | G8N Renzan (Rita) w/I Goh Guided Bomb and J7W2 Shindenkai | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 00987 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | J7W2 is new tooling | Cons | G8N is old tooling |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $72.99 |
Build Review
For the Editor's First Look review of this kit, look here.
In May 1944, the Kyushu Aircraft received an order for a trial manufacture of 18 interceptor aircraft that became known as the J7W1 Shinden. Built from the start to combat the Allied bomber formations it was built with the engine in the rear with a rear mounted propeller. Three test flights were completed in August of 1945. The Japanese Navy had plans to further equip this fighter with a jet engine. Nobody knows how far this idea progressed before the wars end.
Construction starts with the cockpit. It has decent detail for this scale. Following this, the main fuselage is assembled. I added some weight forward to keep the aircraft on its landing gear. The wings and fuselage details were added next. Fit of the wings was great. Landing gear and final details complete the assembly.
I used Mr. Surfacer 500 to fill all of the joint lines. Paint was with Tamiya colors and weathering was finished with AK Interactive wash products.
My sincere thanks to Hasegawa USAfor this review sample!